This appears to be a very ordinary documentary, written, produced and directed by Ara Chekmayan, for the video market. However, it promises to be, "A stunning NEW look at a legendary star." What's new will depend upon what you already know. I found this account of James Dean's life interesting, and learned some things which would probably not surprise many others. Most interesting to learn of Mr. Dean's train ride with his mother's coffin, a girlfriend suddenly marrying another man (Vic Damone), and the fact that there was another passenger (Rolf the mechanic) in the car crash which killed Dean.
Julie Harris, William Bast, and some other "friends, co-stars, and teachers" (it says here, on the box) share their "insightful" interviews. Ms. Harris speaks sweetly about working with Dean on "East of Eden". Mr. Bast shares a very sweet story about when his mother came to visit himself and Dean in their apartment. Kenneth Kendall talks about creating a beautiful head sculpture of Dean, which was stolen from his grave, unfortunately. There are generous clips from Dean's three feature films, but only a couple of clips which could, arguably, be called "never before seen." Charges Dean was "homosexual" are vociferously denied. Chris Busone does a very '80s sounding tribute song called "American Rebel".
"Forever James Dean" is far more insightful about marketing than it is about Dean.
*** Forever James Dean (1988) Ara Chekmayan ~ James Dean, Julie Harris, William Bast
